Role
Product Designer
DURATION
5 months
Platform
App
Type
Research
Design
Branding
Synq is a Web3-powered dual-mode platform that combines dating and professional networking, allowing users to switch seamlessly based on intent. With AI-powered verification and a reward-driven system, it enables secure, meaningful, and unified connections.
Most existing platforms separate dating and networking, forcing users to switch between multiple apps. This leads to:
Fragmented user experience
Difficulty managing personal and professional connections
Lack of meaningful engagement
Additional challenges include:
52% of users struggle to identify fake profiles
39% feel overwhelmed by excessive swiping
60% express concerns about privacy and control
Networking platforms feel too formal, while dating apps feel too superficial
A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods including user interviews, surveys, empathy mapping, and persona creation was used to understand user behaviors, needs, and frustrations. These insights formed the foundation for designing a more intuitive, secure, and meaningful user experience. User Interviews Surveys (Quantitative Research) Empathy Mapping Persona Creation
I conducted user interviews to understand how people approach dating and professional networking, focusing on their expectations, frustrations, and trust concerns. The conversations revealed that users often feel overwhelmed by superficial interactions, struggle with fake profiles, and find it inconvenient to switch between multiple platforms.
To validate qualitative findings, I conducted a survey to gather data on user behavior and preferences across dating and networking apps. The results showed that a significant portion of users preferred a single platform for both use cases, while many reported issues with fake profiles, low-quality matches, and unclear subscription models.
USER PERSPECTIVE
EMPATHY MAPPING
I created empathy maps to synthesize user insights and better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This exercise highlighted key patterns such as the desire for meaningful connections, concerns around privacy and authenticity, and frustration with time-consuming interactions. These insights guided design decisions toward creating a more intuitive, trustworthy, and emotionally supportive user experience.
Aarav (29, Product Manager)
Wants meaningful dating + quality matches
Frustrated by fake profiles and endless swiping
Values privacy and premium experience
Priya (32, Startup Founder)
Wants structured, meaningful networking
Finds LinkedIn too formal
Needs verified and relevant connections
KEY INSIGHTS
47% of users prefer a single platform for both dating and networking
52% face trust issues due to fake profiles
39% experience swipe fatigue with low-quality matches
42% find subscription models unclear
Authenticity & profile verification
Seamless switching between modes
Better matchmaking relevance
Incentivized engagement
Minimal distractions & clean UX
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Users need a unified and secure platform for building both personal and professional relationships because current apps are fragmented, inefficient, and lack trust.
HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT
If users are provided with a dual-mode platform with AI verification and incentivized engagement, then they will experience higher trust, better matches, and increased engagement.
VALUE PROPOSITION
A unified platform for meaningful, secure connections
Dual-mode flexibility (dating + networking)
AI-powered trust and verification
Web3-based reward system
Meaningful and high-quality connections
03 IDEATION
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Identifying gaps and opportunities
Bumble (dual-mode but limited networking depth)
Hinge (strong dating, no networking)
LinkedIn (strong networking, no social connection)
Key Opportunity Areas
Trust, dual-mode, smarter matching, engagement
Combine dating + networking seamlessly
Improve matchmaking with AI
Introduce gamification via rewards
Make networking more human and less transactional
How Might We
Seamless, secure, meaningful connections
How might we reduce fake profiles and improve trust?
How might we combine dating and networking in one platform?
How might we increase meaningful engagement instead of endless swiping?
How might we incentivize users to stay active?
AI Profile Verification
Dual-Mode Toggle
Token-Based Reward System
Advanced Filters
04 DESIGN
Key Features
USER FLOW
DELIVERABLES
Improved trust through verification system
Reduced user fatigue with better matchmaking
Increased engagement through rewards
Created a unified experience for personal + professional connections
Synq redefines digital connections by combining dating and networking into a single seamless experience.
By integrating:
AI-powered verification
Web3 reward systems
Dual-mode interaction
The platform solves major pain points of trust, engagement, and fragmentation.
The result is a secure, intelligent, and user-centric ecosystem that supports both emotional and professional growth.
